Rival transport union groups of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) clashed yesterday at the Iyana Iba area of Lagos, resulting in numerous injuries and many damaged vehicles.
According to a witness, the unrest began in the evening when two factions; one loyal to the union’s former leader and the other to their new boss, engaged in a struggle over the control and right for the sale of tickets and collection of tolls from commercial buses at Ojo park and environs.
This was after a protest by some RTEAN members demanding the removal of the National President of the association over alleged meddlesomeness.
Justice Oluwole, the witness, claimed that the association’s members engaged in a free-for-all with deadly weapons like a dagger, machete, charms, and shattered bottles.
“I can’t tell you what really caused the fracas, but the two factions were against each other. They inflicted injuries on themselves.
“There was pandemonium as people scampered for safety, while some motorists abandoned their vehicles on the road, causing serious gridlock. Many shop owners closed shops. As I am speaking with you, many people have been injured while the road is littered with broken bottles and shattered vehicles’ windshields and other accessories.
“Many people are forced to trek home as vehicles are avoiding the axis. I thank God that the police have arrived the scene and are trying to reclaim the public places.
“The State Government should do something urgent to resolve the crisis between the factions or the problem will escalate during the forthcoming electioneering period.
“If the government does not expedite action, the crisis may consume many souls, while many property would be damaged.”
